Jean Anderson (musician)

Margaret Jean Anderson BEM FRAM (born 1923) is a New Zealand pianist and professor of music.

Jean Anderson
BEM FRAM
Also known asMargaret Jean Hunt
Born1923 (age 99–100)
GenresClassical music
Occupation(s)
  • Pianist
  • professor
Instrument(s)Piano
Spouse(s)Francis Hunt

Education

Anderson attended the Royal Academy of Music. In 1947, she was awarded the Prize for Pianoforte Accompaniment by Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester.[1] In 1948, she was awarded the Elsie Horne Gift and Albanesi Prize.[2] In 1949, she was awarded the Chappell Pianoforte Prize and Rae Leeming Memorial Prize.[3]

Career

Anderson was, for a long time, professor of piano at the Royal Academy of Music. She adjudicated the Louise Band Prizes in 1978,[4] 1979,[5] 1980[6] and 1985, the Albanesi Prize in 1981,[7] 1982,[8] 1983,[9] and 1986,[10] and the Eric Brough Prize in 1982,[8] 1983,[9] and 1986.[10] In 1985 and 1987, she adjudicated the Claude Beddington Prize, the Vivian Langrish Prize, the Frederick Westlake Prize, and the Cuthbert Whitemore Prize.[11][12] She adjudicated the Leslie England Prize and Lloyd Hartey Prize in 1984,[13] the Edna Bralesford Prizes in 1986,[10] and the Evelyn German Prize in 1987.[12]

Anderson was awarded the British Empire Medal in the 2017 New Year Honours for "services to music".[14][15]

Former students

Anderson's former students include Neil Cowley,[16] Sir John Tavener[17] and Lucy Parham.[18]

In Notes from a Small Soprano, Anderson's former pupil Lesley Garrett describes the influence of her professorship.

"She was the most spirited and lively professor on the entire staff and she understood me better than anyone. Tiny, raven-haired and feisty, she attacked life with the same passionate, electrifying energy that she used when she played the piano and she played wonderfully. She became my unofficial tutor and confidante and is still, to this day, a great friend."[19]

Sarah Balfour, another of Anderson's pupils, describes her lasting impact.

"Jean not only taught me how to play and perform, but I also learnt from her, vital life lessons. All of her teachings will stay with me forever. She towers with strength and wisdom, and is truly inspirational. She handles the turbulence and challenges of life with dignity, poise and composure. She has given me the confidence to succeed and I am indebted to her."[20]

Personal life

Anderson married Francis Hunt, a businessman and violinist. Their children include the musician Gordon Hunt.[21]

References
  1. 1947 Prize List Royal Academy of Music. 1947. p. 8 – via Internet Archive.
  2. 1948 Prize List Royal Academy of Music. 1948 – via Internet Archive.
  3. 1949 July, Prize List, Royal Academy of Music. 1949 – via Internet Archive.
  4. 1978 July, Prize List Royal Academy of Music. July 1978 – via Internet Archive.
  5. 1979 July, Prize List Royal Academy of Music. July 1979. p. 32 – via Internet Archive}.
  6. 1980 July, Prize List Royal Academy of Music. July 1980. p. 18 – via Internet Archive}.
  7. 1981 July, Prize List Royal Academy of Music. July 1981. p. 6 – via Internet Archive}.
  8. 1982 July, List Of Prizes, Scholarships And Other Awards Royal Academy of Music. July 1982 – via Internet Archive.
  9. 1983 July, List Of Prizes, Scholarships And Other Awards Royal Academy of Music. July 1983 – via Internet Archive.
  10. 1986 Graduation And Prizegiving Royal Academy of Music. 1986 – via Internet Archive.
  11. 1985 Graduation And Prizegiving Royal Academy of Music. 1985 – via Internet Archive.
  12. 1987 Graduation And Prizegiving Royal Academy of Music. 1987 – via Internet Archive.
  13. 1984 Graduation And Prizegiving. 1984 – via Internet Archive.
  14. "No. 61803". The London Gazette. 31 December 2016. p. N27.
  15. "New Year Honours in full". The Times. 31 December 2016. Retrieved 1 May 2023.
  16. Lindsay, Bruce (26 April 2010). "Neil Cowley: A Rock and Roll Take on Jazz". All About Jazz. Retrieved 1 May 2023.
  17. Haymes, Brian; Kidd, Richard L. (16 March 2020). Communion, Covenant, and Creativity: An Approach to the Communion of Saints through the Arts. Wipf and Stock Publishers. ISBN 9781532668654 – via Google Books.
  18. Spanswick, Melanie (16 December 2012). "Lucy Parham in conversation with Melanie Spanswick". Melanie Spanswick. Retrieved 1 May 2023.
  19. Garrett, Lesley (2001). Notes from a Small Soprano. Coronet. p. 64. ISBN 9780340768112 – via Google Books.
  20. "An Interview with Sarah Balfour". Luxury Travel Guide Awards. Corporate LiveWire. Retrieved 1 May 2023.
  21. History of The Larry Slattery Memorial Fund at The Larry Slattery Memorial Fund
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